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A minor car crash can cause a major brain injury

We have all seen football players taken out of the game after suffering a concussion, a mild form of traumatic brain injury.

However, brain injuries that occur in sports are not nearly as common as those that result from car crashes. Even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause serious brain damage.

A little background

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that roughly 2 million people experience some form of TBI every year in our country. Of these, about 286,000 suffer brain injuries in vehicle accidents.

The forms of TBI

There are two forms of traumatic brain injury. The most devastating is the open form, in which a foreign object pierces the skull and becomes lodged in the brain. The far more common type of TBI is the closed form, caused during a blow to the head. For example, if you are the victim of a low-speed rear-end collision, the impact could cause your head to hit the steering wheel or even the windshield. This could result in a concussion, a mild form of TBI, which, according to researchers, could leave you with long-term thinking and memory issues.

Delayed reaction

After a minor collision, you may not realize that you have a traumatic brain injury of any kind, because the symptoms may not appear immediately. However, hours or even days later, you could begin to experience warning signs like headaches, trouble concentrating, confusion, changes in your sleep pattern, sensitivity to light or sound, or unusual drowsiness.

Seeking a diagnosis

It is vital to seek medical attention after any kind of vehicle crash. If you have suffered a concussion or a more severe brain injury, an early diagnosis can put you on the fast track to effective treatment. The doctor will also write a medical report that ties your injury to the collision. This proves important when your attorney goes to work on your behalf to secure financial compensation to cover your medical expenses and more. Any form of TBI can be a major event in your life, and the sooner the injury is properly identified, the sooner you can begin your recovery.

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